Buying a home is a maze of listings, contracts, deadlines, and negotiations—and it’s much easier to navigate with a pro who’s squarely in your corner. That pro is a buyer’s agent. They track down homes that genuinely fit your budget and wish list, arrange showings, decode market data, craft offers, and negotiate hard for your best outcome. Here’s a clear look at what they do, why they’re...
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Selling a house can feel a lot like competing for a final rose: you’re polishing, primping, and trying to make a great first impression while buyers size up every detail. The fastest way to stand out is to partner with an experienced agent who knows which updates actually move the needle. Done strategically, a handful of modest upgrades can add five figures to your bottom line. 1) Win the Drive-By:...
Getting preapproved for a mortgage is one of the most important early steps in buying a home. It shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer and gives you a clear idea of how much financing you might qualify for. But what happens if the number you’re given isn’t enough for the type of property you want? Fortunately, there are ways to strengthen your application and potentially secure a higher...
For many homeowners, equity is the hidden wealth-builder in their financial portfolio. Equity is the portion of your home you truly own, and growing it quickly can mean greater financial security, more borrowing power, and a stronger return when it’s time to sell. Here are five proven strategies to help you accelerate your home equity growth. 1. Start Strong with a Larger Down Payment The size of...
When buyers picture a sustainable home, their minds often go straight to Energy Star appliances, water-saving fixtures, or solar panels glinting on a roof. But increasingly, the path to greener living extends right into the backyard. Outdoor spaces are becoming an important part of the eco-friendly conversation—and for good reason. Decks and patios already deliver strong returns, often recouping up to...
For years, home buyers have assumed that new construction came with a hefty price tag. Modern finishes, fresh layouts, and the appeal of being the very first owner typically pushed new homes far above resale prices. But in today’s housing market, that script has flipped. The gap between new and existing home prices has all but disappeared—and in some places, new homes are even cheaper. Ali Wolf,...
A temporary drop in interest rates gave mortgage demand a noticeable lift last week, snapping a period of sluggish activity in the housing market. Total mortgage application volume rose 9.4% from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), with seasonal adjustments made to account for the July Fourth holiday. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage with conforming loan...
In the realm of real estate, the terms "real estate agent" and "Realtor" are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they do not. While both are licensed professionals who help people buy, sell, or rent property, a Realtor is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which brings an added layer of commitment to ethical standards, professional development, and accountability. That...
It’s no secret that home prices have continued to climb across the country. In February, the median existing-home sale price in the U.S. reached $398,400, a 3.8% increase from the year before, according to the National Association of REALTORS. Even with mortgage rates hovering above 6.5%, buyers are still purchasing homes, largely driven by a nationwide shortage in housing inventory. But as prices rise...
If you’ve ever walked into a model home or flipped through a glossy interior design magazine and thought, “I wish my house looked like this,” you’re not alone. But here’s the secret that professional home stagers know and the rest of us are just starting to figure out: you don’t need a massive renovation or a high-end budget to make your home feel more luxurious. You just need a few clever,...